WHIZ KID

A science fair can bring out the best in us…and the worst.

Miles Lewis, a smart aspiring scientist, considers this year’s science fair a second chance. Since his electrical switch didn’t get him to the regional competition last year, he vows to create a winner this year. When his teacher allows the students to work in groups, Miles chooses to work with Jada, but the team expands as their friends join. As they plan, Miles realizes how hard it can be to collaborate with others. It gets tougher when his cousin Cameron, who made it to the regional competition last year, visits and Miles’ team likes Cam’s scientific ideas more than his. Although Miles knows that Cam is adjusting to his parents’ separation, he struggles with jealousy of Cam. The team’s Marvelous Marble Grand Prix, a marble racetrack that illustrates how energy works, teaches Miles a lot about himself and how to be a better friend, cousin, and team member. This is a warm, inviting tale with a realistically flawed protagonist whom many readers will see themselves in. Miles’ close-knit family offers support throughout: Momma tells him not to be so hard on himself; Nana cooks and gardens with him; and Daddy, a professor who teaches Black history, exhorts him to persist—a strong message that will resonate with readers. Spencer’s illustrations depict a loving Black family whose members respect one another.

An honest, inspiring STEM-focused story starring an incredibly relatable future scientist.